For 2011, the Dodge Challenger SRT8 392 features a bigger, more power engine, revised interior and exterior styling and an upgraded suspension.
The news coming out of Chrysler HQ in Auburn Hills is almost relentless these days. There are new engines, completely new SUVs and crossovers and revamped sedans.
Add to the mix a new Dodge Challenger SRT8 with a huge power infusion.
While Dodge has already announced that the base 250-horsepower V-6 will be replaced by a 305-horsepower version of the new Pentastar V-6, it hadn’t said anything about the Challenger’s other engines. Dodge still hasn’t announced numbers for the R/T, but it is expected to maintain its 5.7-liter Hemi, but it will likely make slightly more power.
Just as Ford has done by bringing back the hallowed 5.0, the Challenger is bringing back a reverred name of its own. The new SRT8 now adds the numbers 392 to its name, as in 392 cubic inches.
Now 6.4 liters, the top dog in the Challenger lineup is rated at 470 horsepower, 65 more than before. Torque rises to 470 as well, 90 more than before, compared to the old 6.1-liter Hemi.
The new 6.4-liter Hemi 392 V-8 has 65 more horsepower than the outgoing 6.1-liter engine.
Dodge is promising 0-60 acceleration in the high 4s and a quarter mile time in the high 12s.
To kick off production of the new SRT 392, Dodge will produce 1,492 Inaugural Edition models – 1,100 for the U.S. and 392 for Canada – with exclusive exterior and interior features. Each one will have a numbered dash plaque.
The changes go far beyond just a new engine, though. The upgrades include new colors, an improved interior design and revised suspension.
The revamped suspension features new shocks that offer a firm ride but is still comfortable for everyday commuting. Reconfigured suspension geometry improves the car’s balance, cornering ability and responsiveness. A new steering system – still fully hydraulic – has a more direct feel.
The trapezoidal instrument panel features what Dodge calls a “four-bomb” gauge cluster with chromed accent rings and unique SRT graphics. Inside the cluster, the SRT-exclusive Electronic Vehicle Information Center (EVIC) with performance pages provides the driver with trip information, multimedia information, along with instant feedback on performance such as 0-60 mph time, 60-0 mph braking, G-forces, one-eighth mile and quarter-mile times.
The original 392 HEMI engine was introduced in the new 1957 model year Chrysler and Imperial products. It replaced the 354-cubic-inch version of the original HEMI.